As the clocks go forward this coming weekend, West Yorkshire
Police is reminding people of the simple steps they can take to
help prevent themselves becoming a victim of burglary. Continuing
the theme from the Christmas burglary campaign, the Force is using
a twist on a popular game using notes stuck to people's heads as a
reminder of simple measures they can take to prevent burglary.

To show just how easy these steps are, we're once again
enlisting our mini-crime fighters to help reinforce the message.
Short video clips of the five and six-year-olds will be uploaded in
the next few weeks to show the simple steps you should take to make
it more difficult for burglars.

Leave a light on!Always close and lock windows when
you're not in the room.

Keep your keys out of view and not in reach of the
letterbox or a cat flap.

Don't leave laptops / tablets or their power cables /
chargers on show.

Use your burglar alarm if you have one and check door
locks are up to standard.

Keep garden tools and ladders locked away and secure
when not in use.

A poster campaign backs up the messages.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Angela Williams, said: "We
are fully aware of the impact of burglary on victims and as a Force
we are continually looking to improve the support we can
provide.

"We are launching this Spring campaign to show our continued
commitment to reducing burglary and to bringing offenders to
justice. The key to this is reminding homeowners to be vigilant and
make sure their homes are secure.

"We would like people to work with their local Neighbourhood
Policing Teams to reduce the number of burglaries across the county
by ensuring their properties are secure and they are not at
increased risk of being targeted by offenders. Residents can do
this by not leaving keys in the back of a locked door and to ensure
all valuable items are out of sight when they are not in use.

"We would also like to encourage people to keep an eye on a
neighbour's home when they are on holiday by opening and closing
blinds or curtains and removing mail. Setting up or joining a
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is also an excellent way to work
together to prevent the area being targeted."

Force Crime Prevention Officer, Chris Joyce, said: "The onset of
lighter nights and warmer weather means more people will be
spending time outside in their gardens, but there are simple things
you can do to help protect your home. It can take just 60 seconds
for burglars to get into your home and steal your belongings but
you can help prevent this by making it more difficult for them by
removing opportunities they may look for.

"Crime prevention doesn't need to cost huge sums of money -
simply locking your doors, shutting your windows and not leaving
valuables on display can make a great diff

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime
Commissioner, said: "I don't want a single person across West
Yorkshire to come home and find that they've been burgled. It's an
absolutely horrible experience and one that we are doing everything
we can to help prevent. erence. These easy steps can significantly
reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary."

"This is an eye catching campaign and there is a serious message
behind it. There are some simple measures you can take to
drastically reduce your chances of being targeted by callous
thieves.

"If you are the victim of a burglary or you would like some
crime prevention advice, contact West Yorkshire Police or visit
their website for further information and advice."

District crime prevention officers are there to support members
of the public in helping you to do your bit to prevent crime and
can be contacted via 101.